Alberni Environmental Coalition

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Carrying a gun has recently been banned in Alberni Valley in order to control the increased cases of insecurity. There have been several cases of gangs shooting and gun robbery reported on a daily basis. The news comes after two suspected robbers were gunned down by policemen on patrol where two rifles and several ammunitions were recovered. After investigations by law enforcement officers, they discovered that the guns were robbed from their owners on the same day when the robbery incident occurred. It was also revealed that many gun holders are carrying their guns around without securing them in gun safes.

Another scary scene happened early this year when four men were recorded in a video robbing another man’s gun from his rear jeans pocket. The video went viral in social media, which contributed to the ban on carrying guns. However, many gun owners are claiming that the ban is denying them their rights to own a gun for safety purposes. As of today, a case is already filed in court to lift the ban while other gun owners are proposing amendments to the law to emphasize the use of gun safes throughout.

When the author of this article interviewed one of the gun owners, who sought for anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, the man said that carrying a gun without a gun safe is very risky because there are burglars walking on the streets to spot gun carriers. If they notice a gun in your pocket, they will launch a quick attack even before you plan to counter. Once they steal the gun, it will be used in illegal activities and then dumped in a public place. He added that such acts can be tricky because the gun owner might be held liable if the matter is not reported immediately to the police.

Alright, why do gun owners carry their weapons around?

This is an obvious query as most of you would say “gun is mainly for protection and self-defense“. However, some people carry them due to peer pressure. It is like a show-off. Perhaps, one feels more superior when carrying a gun. Others carry guns as a result of fear. They believe that a gun will always scare any potential attacker. When it comes to those prominent people such as politicians, they carry guns to gain power and respect.

Not everybody who carries a gun intends to use it. But things might be different at some point. If you get into an argument and you have the gun, things are likely to get out of control and possibly you may use it. Regardless of your intention, you can put yourself in a big trouble and the repercussions may be fatal.

Funny enough, a gun crime can affect an innocent bystander. If a person is standing at the bus stop and other people nearby start arguing, if one shoots the stray bullet can cause serious injuries or trauma to that bystander. If you accidentally shoot someone, the case must be serious no matter how big or small the injury the person sustains. So, what is the best approach to managing this issue of carrying guns? It is simple; always use a gun safe if you are entering a public space.

Protect your rights

Many anti-gun groups say that guns are highly dangerous when left to anyone’s control. Actually, guns can be a threat to public safety if left in anyone’s hands. These groups propose banning of gun owning completely since they claim that all gun owners are irresponsible and careless at worst. No matter fatal or non-fatal gun accident, it will attract even national attention because media coverage will be involved. So, the law governing gun ownership can be adhered to, and demonstrated well, if you lock up your gun in a gun safe.

Protect from robbery

It may sound uncertain when locking up a gun in the safe to prevent being robbed by burglars. But this is very true because you don’t know the intention of the person next to you. Locking up the gun is recommended as long as you are in a public place where there are other civilians. Once you get out of the public, especially after getting into your car, you can keep the gun out of the safe for protection purposes.

According to historians, massage is a centuries-old practice started by ancient civilizations to help treat medical problems. Over the years, it has evolved into different types and techniques depending on where it originated. Even in this modern world, massage is still considered as one way to pamper one’s self and many businesses revolve around this treatment. There are no limits as to who can enjoy it, whether you are affluent or not, because this can easily be done in your home. One of the most favorite variations is the foot massage. Every single day, our feet are subjected to unmeasurable amounts of work from walking, running and so on. It basically bears our entire weight and acts as a shock absorber during intense work out and training, so it is no wonder why people constantly complain of tired feet.

The Essentials of a Foot Massage

When performing a foot massage, it is best to practice good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly and cutting your nails short to avoid discomfort. Clean the person’s feet using lukewarm water and gently dry with a soft cloth. Experts usually recommend avoiding using the light touch on the feet as it is uncomfortable for ticklish people so be sure to apply firm pressure. Although not really necessary, it is great to use a massage oil or lotion with a therapeutic scent to reduce the roughness and make the feet smoother. To help loosen the muscles, perform a circular motion on the ankles and soles of the feet and gently stretch and curl the toes. the secrets to a good foot massage are accurate knowledge on all the pressure points and making sure that the person is able to tolerate the pressure or you’ll risk stressing them out more.

Things to Do After a Long Hike

One of the most common types is foot reflexology which assumes that special areas or pressure points are present in our feet and they correspond to specific internal organs of our body. Reflexologists usually refer to a detailed chart that provides information about pressure points and its target organs in the body. This theory has not yet been proven scientifically but enthusiasts of alternative medicine strongly believe that this method truly works for them. Another type is acupressure which is slightly similar to reflexology due to the use of pressure points, although it mainly aims to improve general wellness and increase the flow of energy in the body. Aromatherapy through scented oils or candles can cause relaxation and is typically accompanied by tranquil instrumental music. Finally, there is the traditional foot massage that targets the joints and muscles and eases the pain.

Despite some uncertainties, foot massagers are actually very beneficial to us in more ways than one. First of all, it is true that it improves our circulation, especially for those who lack physical movement and exercise. According to research, it also helps lower a person’s blood pressure which is alarmingly more common today regardless of age. People who are constantly suffering from migraines and headaches also benefit from foot massage based on a study conducted in Denmark. In addition, a hot shower and a massage with a massage chair in your home, reduce feeling of anxiety and depression because it makes people relax instead of focusing on all their stressors. In line with this, women who are experiencing hormonal changes, may it be premenstrual syndrome or menopause, and often become irritable and moody can loosen up with a good foot massage.

Aside from these amazing advantages, foot massage also makes the joints and muscles in our feet to become stronger, thereby making it less prone to sprains and injuries that could affect our daily activities. Foot and ankle swelling or edema in pregnant women is also significantly reduced through regular massage if paired with enough rest.

If we notice the benefits mentioned above, we can see that foot massage is really a safe alternative to medicines or perhaps an adjunct to medical treatments.

Alberni Valley is found in the south central Vancouver Island that hosts Port Alberni city, which is referred to as the heart of the Vancouver Island. The valley is specifically located between east coast and west coast of the island. Port Alberni lies within the valley, and offers access to the ocean, mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities.

The valley is rich in wildlife that offers adventure for Canadians, as well as other visitors from different parts of the world. Mountain trails are perfect for hikers, while the rugged landscape is a nice choice for outdoor camping. The waters have about five species of ocean salmon, while the waters adjacent to Port Alberni has both saline and freshwater.

In the past few years, environmental protection has been a concern due to massive logging in the forest. China Creek watershed is a freshwater source, hosting a forest that provides home to different wildlife including wintering deer and other endangered species. Mount Horne and Cameron Valley Firebreak are other forested parts of the valley that have been experiencing serious logging. Since the fallout between the B.C government and Island Timberlands, several forests have been destroyed by encroachers.

Environmental laws have been violated, and several outdoor sceneries are fading away, part of riparian zones has been destroyed leading to poor quality of water, various animals are losing their habitats, and several indigenous trees have been cut down. In the recent years, there have been forums to discuss and address the challenges facing the forests. Most of the Alberni Valley residents have been attending the meetings and rallies, geared towards stopping illegal logging and log exports.

Over the years, conservationists and forest workers have been working hand in hand to seek a lasting solution. The municipal council of Port Alberni has also held discussions with Island Timberlands about the conservation of McLaughlin Ridge which hosts freshwater watershed. The good thing is that every resident is standing up to fight for environmental protection and sustainable resource utilization.

Port Alberni has turned to be one of the global centres where environmental protection has been taken as a communal responsibility. Interestingly, forest workers and environmentalists have been at the frontline to fight for sustainable industry that will see creation of more jobs rather than killing the existing job opportunities. Environmentalists have played a major role in supporting sustainability in the forestry jobs in order to grow the economy and eliminate political influencers causing environmental degradation.

The loss of the old stands due to extensive logging caused negative impact on the forest jobs. Today, the area people have been speaking and demanding the restoration of fresh watershed that has been providing drinking water to the Port Alberni. Also, people want the authorities to ensure that sustainable use of forest resources is achieved, in order to recover the lost old stands and forest jobs. The coordinator of Port Alberni Watershed Forest Alliance, Jane Morden, has been working together with like-minded residents to compel the authority towards restoring the McLaughlin ridge – watershed.

In an effort to steer restoration of the valley’s natural ecosystem, more than 15 conservation organizations including the Jane Morden led alliance signed a statement early this year to pressure the B.C government to set aside $40 million every year, which will be used to buy and protect private highly valuable lands. The kitty was named – Natural Lands Acquisition Fund – and will help in protecting resources such as McLaughlin Ridge.

To achieve sustainable resource use, both authorities and residents must work together to curb illegal logging. If the team working including environmentalists is maintained, there is great hope of successful restoration of the Alberni Valley.